The technique, which uses the latest hybridization and microscopy
technologies, came about as part of the Ithaca lab's ongoing studies of plants
that absorb metals. It may eventually help with plant studies of all kinds,
according to Kochian.

The new method, which provides immediate digital and tabular data,
lets scientists work with large pieces of tissue from plants that have been
exposed to different environments. It eliminates many time-consuming steps
associated with current methods for pinpointing gene-expression location.

Knowing in which tissues or organs a gene and its product are
expressed greatly helps researchers understand that gene's role in plant
function.

When a gene is expressed, an RNA sequence that's a mirror image of its
DNA sequence is created. With the new procedure, a similar mirror image is made
of the target gene's mRNA molecule. This image, called a synthetic nucleotide,
is tagged with a fluorescent compound. It then binds tightly with the original
mRNA molecule that's produced when the gene is expressed, illuminating cells
where the target gene is functioning.

The technique has already led the Ithaca researchers to significant
findings regarding alpine pennycress, Thlaspi caerulescens, an important
plant that tolerates and accumulates extremely high levels of zinc, cadmium and
nickel.

Read more
about the research in the January issue of Agricultural Research
magazine, available online at: